Dear Neighbors, Happy March! We’re halfway through the month and we’ve just reached the halfway point of the legislative session. Committee deadlines to pass bills are quickly approaching and the House committees continue to vet, amend, and advance legislation to the House Floor. Here’s an update on what I’m working on for our Plymouth and Medicine Lake communities: Investing in our InfrastructureLast session, a bipartisan agreement was reached on the framework of legislation to build up and out our public infrastructure throughout Minnesota, and efforts to deliver on that legislation never stopped for us in the House. Last week, we took the first step in finishing this work by approving nearly $1.9 billion in investments for local jobs and projects. These bills require a supermajority vote for approval, and I’m pleased to share that the legislation has earned broad bipartisan support for passage. It’s a reflection of the House DFL Majority’s ability to govern fairly for everyone; all communities in every corner of Minnesota. In Medicine Lake, residents have been asking for improvements to our public water system, which is outdated and overdue for repairs. I am proud to carry the legislation to fix it. My bill would secure $3.5 million for the city Medicine Lake to improve drinking water standards and reconstruct wastewater collection systems. Our residents and families expect and deserve clean drinking water; this was overdue. The Minnesota Senate has to pass its version of the bill before it heads to the governor for his signature. Social Security Tax Exemption UpdateLast week, the House Taxes Committee heard a pair of bills related to state tax exemption on Social Security benefits. The first, HF 300, would fully exempt all seniors from paying taxes on Social Security. The second bill, HF 1040, exempts the state Social Security tax for folks with adjusted gross income below $80,000 (for married joint returns) or $62,500 (for single or head of household returns) to subtract the full amount of the taxpayer’s taxable Social Security benefits. Although I do not serve on the committee, as a coauthor of HF 300, I’m glad it’s being considered for inclusion in a future taxes legislation package. Women’s History MonthMarch is Women's History Month; a time to reflect on and honor all of the amazing women and girls who paved the way for us. We know women still face challenges and barriers in multiple aspects of our lives, and I’m committed to closing gaps and making opportunities available for women. |